Eighty per cent of Auckland’s newest waterfront destination, North Wharf in Wynyard Quarter, has been leased by a variety of authentic, seafood-influenced eateries. “North Wharf is the only north facing wharf on the waterfront which will soon be …Wednesday, March 30 2011

Eighty per cent of Auckland’s new waterfront destination leased

Eighty per cent of Auckland’s newest waterfront destination, North Wharf in Wynyard Quarter, has been leased by a variety of authentic, seafood-influenced eateries.

“North Wharf is the only north facing wharf on the waterfront which will soon be available for Aucklanders to enjoy,” says John Dalzell, Chief Executive of Waterfront Auckland.

“Unlike other wharves, this area gets all day sun and opens out to a new water’s edge promenade. It will provide a new experience for Aucklanders and visitors alike.”

Tenants so far include Marvel Grill, I Sushi and Yakitori Restaurant, Live Fish, The Conservatory, Peter Parking, Macgregor Brothers Café, Urban Turban and I-Storm Gelato. To complete the offering one other eatery is being sought.

“North Wharf’s location right on Auckland’s waterfront makes it absolutely unique and the mix of operators so far is exceptional,” says Mr. Dalzell.

“This is an exciting, timely and limited opportunity for one or two more eateries to become part of North Wharf, at a time when New Zealand’s economy is well into recovery mode in this sector. With the RWC2011 coming, and the revitalisation of the rest of the Jellicoe Street area, North Wharf will do a very busy trade.”

The revitalisation of North Wharf brings together a fresh, new concept for Auckland’s waterfront, which retains the character of the working wharf and combines it with a new style of alfresco dining.

The new buildings currently being constructed on North Wharf have been designed by award-winning local architects Fearon Hay, who have taken their inspiration from the area’s industrial past and its rare water’s edge location.

The buildings have been set back from the wharf edge, creating a wide promenade where people can enjoy a lazy stroll, sit and have a coffee or lunch, or watch the fishing boats unload their catch.

By August this year when North Wharf opens, the rest of the first stage of Wynyard Quarter’s revitalisation will be largely complete. It will transform Jellicoe Street into a
waterfront boulevard and open up a whole new area for Aucklanders to enjoy by RWC 2011.

Construction has already begun on Wynyard Crossing, the interim pedestrian and cycling bridge over Viaduct Harbour, and work on Gateway Plaza is underway. The plaza, which is adjacent to the Viaduct Events Centre, will include seating, artwork and steps down to the water’s edge.

The Viaduct Events Centre, which provides a hub for events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and other events Aucklanders currently enjoy in Wynyard Quarter including the Seafood Festival, Auckland International Boat Show and Fashion Week, is also progressing well.

Other events are currently being considered to ensure this part of Auckland’s waterfront is a hive of year-round activity with a range of activities to suit everyone, including markets along Jellicoe Street.

Also to be complete by RWC2011 is Silo Park at the western end of Jellicoe Street, which will be a green, public open space where people can relax, enjoy the views out to the Harbour Bridge, watch the marine industry at work, explore the cement silos, and where children can enjoy the playground.

By then electric trams will also have made a comeback to Auckland’s waterfront with single-track loop initially circuiting Jellicoe Street, Halsey Street, Gaunt Street and Daldy Street, with plans to eventually link to Britomart and Queens Wharf.

By 2013 when ASB Bank’s headquarters is completed on the corner of Halsey and Jellicoe streets, a further 1300 people will be working in Wynyard Quarter. Over the next 15 years this is expected to increase to a total of 14,000, with a further 7000 people living in Wynyard Quarter.

To find out more about the limited opportunities still available at North Wharf, please visit www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz, or contact Mike Hammer at Match Realty on 021 688 038.